LCCC
ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
April 27/09
Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus
Christ according to Saint Luke 24,35-48. Then the two recounted what had taken
place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to
them, "Peace be with you."But they were startled and terrified and thought that
they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And
why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is
I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you
can see I have."And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have
you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and
ate it in front of them. He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to
you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of
Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their
minds to understand the scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written
that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that
repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all
the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Free Opinions, Releases, letters &
Special Reports
Egypt's
Hezbollah Wake-Up Call.By:
Elias Bejjani 26/04/09
For Syria’s hegemony NOT to
return/Future News 26/04/09
The Limits
of Terrorism/By:
Daniel Pipes 26/04/09
The Islamic
Center of Hate in the U.S.A.
By: Jamie Glazov 26/04/09
Latest News Reports From
Miscellaneous Sources for April
26/09
IDF videos expose drug smuggling at Lebanon
border-Ha'aretz
IDF: Surge in attempts to smuggle drugs
from Lebanon-Ynetnews
Clinton in Beirut Relays Message to
Suleiman, Reassures Lebanon over Syria-Naharnet
Clinton begins visit to Lebanon-BBC
News
Clinton calls for free Lebanon election-Reuters
Clinton on surprise visit to
Lebanon-Future
News
Reports: Egypt
Investigations Uncover New Suspects in Alleged 'Hizbullah
Cell'-Naharnet
Hezbollah suspects 'not tortured'-GulfNews
Hizbullah’s legacy of obstruction-Future
News
March 8 avoids supervision-Future
News
Bellemare did not ask for an
extension to April 27 deadline-Future
News
Lieberman: Ready for Syria talks
with no preconditions-Future
News
Geagea: Baabda district will
confront those who assault and insult/Future News
Amr Moussa discusses Hezbollah
with Lebanese leaders-GulfNews
AJC Salutes Sentencing of New Yorker for Aiding Hezbollah TV Station-American
Jewish Committee (press release)
Israeli foreign minister: Talks with Syria
without preconditions-Monsters
and Critics.com
US: Syria and Israel Must Talk; Syrian FM
Praises Ahmadinejad-Arutz
Sheva
Barak: Israel should negotiate with Syria-Ynetnews
US sent two diplomats to Syria: Clinton-The
News International
Four Generals Allowed to
Meet, Hold Private Talks with LawyersTueni:
We Remember all Martyrs Who Shed
Their Blood For Independence and
Freedom-Naharnet
Hizbullah
Criticizes U.N. Israeli Biased
Stance-Naharnet
Ban Condemns Hizbullah
Activities Outside Lebanon-Naharnet
Raad:
Government Must Go For Being Part of an Aggressive
Program-Naharnet
Geagea:
Coming Elections to Determine Which Lebanon
We Want-Naharnet
Moussa:
Differences Between Egypt and Hizbullah Left to Diplomatic
Initiatives-Naharnet
Report: Mossad-Linked Cell
Arrested
in South-Naharnet
Bellemare
Sticks to April
27 Deadline-Naharnet
Clinton in Beirut Relays Message to
Suleiman, Reassures Lebanon over Syria
Naharnet/Visiting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday relayed a message
of support from the U.S. president to Lebanese counterpart and pledged that the
current U.S.-Syrian rapprochement will not come at the expense of Lebanon.
Clinton also visited the tomb of slain ex-Premier Rafik Hariri and was met at
the site by his son MP Saad Hariri.
"There is nothing that we would do in any way that would undermine Lebanon's
sovereignty," Clinton told a press conference in Baabda after meeting Lebanese
President Michel Suleiman. "So I want to reassure any Lebanese citizen
that the United States will never make any deal with Syria that sells out
Lebanon or the Lebanese people." Her comments came during an unannounced visit
to Lebanon just six weeks before key parliamentary elections.
She said the purpose of her trip was to "deliver a message of support for an
independent and sovereign Lebanon" to Suleiman from President Barack Obama.
The top U.S. diplomat reiterated Washington's backing of the Lebanese Army
saying U.N. resolutions clearly state the military as the "sole establishment
that must have weapons control." She said the United States will continue to
"protect the Lebanese borders and (help Lebanon) combat violence."
The United States has provided $1 billion in aid since 2006, including $410
million in security assistance to the military and the police.
In a statement to reporters traveling with her, Clinton stressed that Washington
was hopeful that the June 7 parliamentary vote would proceed in democratic
fashion, free of outside interference.
"The people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open
and fair elections, without the specter of violence or intimidation, and free of
outside influence," she said. "We join the international community in supporting
the Lebanese government's efforts to achieve that goal," she added.
"Beyond the election, we will continue to support the voices of moderation in
Lebanon, and the responsible institutions of the Lebanese state they are working
hard to build," said Clinton, who on Saturday was in Baghdad. She expressed
support of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon Support, stressing the need for "an
absolute end to an era of political assassinations." On Thursday, Clinton voiced
concerns over "a possible Hizbullah victory in the June legislative polls" and
underlined the need for efforts to "boost the command of the current
government." In a testimony to the House appropriations committee, Clinton said
recent arrests in Egypt of an alleged Hizbullah cell "served as a wake up" for
the Egyptian authorities. They are now aware of "the increasing alliance between
Hizbullah and Hamas and their connection to organizations inside Egypt seeking
to destabilize the government," she added.
The United States serves best its own interests by "supporting and funding" the
Lebanese government, in which Hizbullah is a member in order to "prevent more
infiltrations by fundamentalism," Clinton told the House committee.
Hizbullah was skeptical Sunday about Clinton's visit and spokesman Ibrahim
Moussawi said it could even have a negative impact on the pro-U.S. factions in
the country. Speaking on the group's Al-Manar TV after Clinton arrived, Moussawi
said it was too early to tell whether the Obama administration has reassessed
its policy, but he added that American "interference in the past was never
positive."
He also criticized what he termed a "double standard and deception" when the
U.S. calls for Islamic factions to participate in elections then refuses to
accept the results if they win. In Baabda, Clinton refused to "speculate" on the
outcome of the elections, saying only she was in Lebanon as a sign of support.
"The Lebanese people will choose their representatives. But we hope the polls
will be held without intimidation and external interference."
"We look forward to cooperating with the upcoming government," she added.
Under the administration of George W. Bush, Washington led a boycott of Damascus
and Tehran. But under President Barack Obama, that boycott has eased.
Clinton said Saturday that she had sent two diplomats to Syria and was
"heartened" by improved relations between that country and Lebanon.
"I sent two of our diplomats to Syria about six weeks ago. We've had members of
Congress going to Syria," Clinton told al Hurra television. "We are heartened by
the exchange of ambassadors between Lebanon and Syria." But she said no decision
had been made about naming a new ambassador to Damascus.
"We hope that Syria will play a constructive role in supporting democracy in
Lebanon, but we haven't made any further decisions," the secretary
noted.(AFP-AP-Naharnet) Beirut, 26 Apr 09, 09:45
Clinton on surprise visit to Lebanon
Date: April 26th, 2009 Future News
US secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in Beirut Sunday for talks
with the Lebanese President Michel Sleiman ahead of a critical election on June
7.
Clinton will also lay a wreath on the tomb of former Prime Minister Rafic
Hariri, who was killed in a massive bomb attack in 2005. Rafic Hariri’s
assassination, blamed by many on Damascus, triggered massive demonstrations
which put an end to years of Syrian control over Lebanon. It is Clinton's first
ever visit to Lebanon and the well-travelled former First Lady and New York
senator said she was anxious to see the country. Washington is a staunch backer
of the national unity government in Lebanon, which is led by a Western-backed
prime minister, and has expressed concern at the possibility of Hezbollah and
its allies, which are supported by Syria and Iran, winning the June 7 vote
Clinton was in Baghdad on Saturday where she insisted the US was committed to
supporting Iraq. Clinton is accompanied by the Acting Assistant Secretary of
State for Near Eastern Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, a former ambassador to Beirut.
Hizbullah’s
legacy of obstruction
Date: April 26th, 2009 Source: Future News
A senior political pundit wrote:
President Michel Sleiman said in an interview with al-Hayat daily “accepting the
results in the spirit of sportsmanship is more important than the election
itself.” But as a matter of fact, some political forces in Lebanon have been
rejecting elections results since 2005. Former President Emile Lahoud, and
during his mandate, made sure to obstruct the government and parliament’s role,
just because martyr Rafic Hariri was voted in as prime minister by the majority.
Hariri was asked to form a new government in October 2000 after he won landslide
majority in the general elections. After four years in power he resigned in
October, in a row over the extent of Syria's involvement in Lebanon's internal
politics. He quit after the presidency of Emile Lahoud was artificially extended
by three years, thanks to a Syrian-backed constitutional amendment that Rafic
Hariri had always opposed.
It appears that Lahoud’s notorious act was not the last in the few past years.
March 8 coalition rejected the 2005 election’s results for months, especially
after Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah raised his famous
slogan after July 2006 in which he called for early elections. Nasrallah’s
pretext was that 2005 elections were affected by Rafic Hariri’s assassination
and thus were undergone in the most dramatic stressful moments leading to
emotional more than realistic outcomes. But it is absolutely true that “The
camel never sees its own hump,” Hizbullah, which called for early elections, and
after causing the disastrous events Lebanon has witnessed during 33 days of a
devastating war against its civilians in July 2006, never realized that a
dramatic moment leads to emotional rather than realistic results. In fact, the
March 8 coalitions accept the impetuous results if it suits its interest only.
Whatever happened in the past happened, but those flashbacks were evoked when
King Abdullah warned of Jordanian Hizbullah. Abdullah was quoted as saying that
Hizbullah might coup against the Lebanese government if it did not win the
elections. However, sources in the Jordanian government denied the claim that
Abdullah had expressed concern about the possible Hizbullah coup in the
aftermath of the elections. The source stressed that Abdullah expected Hizbullah
to win in the elections that would be held in a "calm atmosphere." The gist from
Abdullah’s speech is that Hizbullah will obstruct, coup against the government
or reject the election results. Alike the Lebanese politics, it is widely known
that Abdullah is an equitable composed king, and is far from stammering
mistakenly, which urges the Lebanese to be extremely cautious.
Actually Hizbullah and its allies might not initiate a coup d'état or overthrow
the government if the elections were not in its favor, but proofs reflect its
determination to rebel against unlikely results emerging from June 7. Hizbullah
insistence on the obstructing third implies that the party considers the
elections of numeric values and devoids of political meanings. In another word
and regardless of the results, Hizbullah is willing to retain its right in
obstructing the constitution; otherwise it will disrupt the country's security
and stability. Moreover after Hizbullah lost most of its pretext to defend its
resistance by possessing prohibited materials and weapons, its leader resorted
to high-pitched verbal attack as if Shebaa farm liberation is on the go. But
obviously everybody is aware that Nasrallah’s verbal escalation is incredible.
It is needless to say that the March 14 alliances are not rushing to disarm
Hizbullah of its weapons. However a leading figure in the alliances believes
that the party’s weapon is no longer a domestic issue, but it has become a
regional-international issue whose fate requires an international and regional
consensus as well. Hizbullah and regardless of its armament still insists
adamantly on using the obstructing third because its leader sticks to his
concept of establishing “his own state above the Lebanese state.” From its
inception to the present Hizbullah proved its will to form a state able to
impose its political influence on all the administrative and governmental
decisions, otherwise it instigates devastating bout of violence, as it happened
in May 7 2008. As if Lebanon were Hungary in the 1956 era, and Hizbullah were
the Soviet Union, empowered to use its sophisticated military capability to
counter undesired decisions emerging from a legitimate government.
Hizbullah is currently gearing up morally and militarily for two battles: the
battle of electing a House Speaker and deputies. However Hizbullah main goal is
to eradicate any hope that might lead to electing a Shiite outside from
Hizbullah and Amal movement as to prevent his arrival to the parliament, the
reason which prompted Hizbullah to squeeze President Hussein Husseini to
withdraw his candidacy. Hizbullah’s attempt is to secure an open-minded obedient
House Speaker. Even if this ambition on the Shiite level is nearly feasible to
achieve in the current elections, especially after the electoral battle was
obstructed in the Beirut II district, the obstructing third in the government is
not as easy to accomplish.
To sum up with, Hizbullah has achieved its first goal even before the elections,
but its second goal seems too elusive. Because Hizbullah is a political-military
organization, it is evident that when it fails to realize its goals through
democratic and political action, it will exploit its military capabilities to
realize the aspired goals.
For Syria’s hegemony NOT to return
Date: April 26th, 2009 Source: Future News
On this same day four years ago, three decades of Syrian hegemony and weighty
trusteeship were conquered. Today, few weeks from the parliamentary elections,
the Syrian wannabes are proudly bragging about the developments at the regional
and international level which revived Damascus’s dream to return to Lebanon.
Four years after Lebanon’s second independence, nothing worries the Lebanese
more than the return of the Syrian hegemony and the destruction of the course of
building the sovereign and independent state. Another reason to worry is that a
group of Lebanese takes their relation with the Syrian Regime too far, becoming
totally submissive to its decisions. If this group wins the June 7 parliamentary
elections, it will put Lebanon once again before the hazardous possibility of
the return of the tutelage regime under different titles. Thus the upcoming
elections are exceptionally significant, especially that Damascus regards it as
an opportunity for it to return to the regional arena, if it’s Lebanese allies
win. The Syrian Regime and its followers perceive elections as a strategic
thrust that would allow it to slip back into the Lebanese domestic field so it
would make up for its humiliating expulsion on the 26th of April 2005, and
restore its missing authority to employ it in its regional disputes. Conquering
this project will only be through dealing with elections as a fateful turning
point which if won by the ‘March 14’ coalition would develop the course of
sovereignty and independence, and enhance the project of the state that has full
authority over its entire territory. In order to block Syria’s way back to
Lebanon, let us remember the blood-tainted course since the assassination of
Kamal Jumblatt till the last moment of tension the country has endured.
Lieberman: No Preconditions for Talks with Syria
Naharnet/Israel's foreign minister said Sunday he would be willing to
immediately hold peace talks with Syria, but only without preconditions.
Syria recently said it would be willing to resume indirect peace talks with the
new Israeli government, which broke off last year after Israel called early
elections, as long as they focused on a complete Israeli withdrawal from the
Golan Heights. "I'd be glad to negotiate with Syria this evening, but without
preconditions," Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israel Radio. "They say,
first go back to '67 lines and give up the Golan. If we agree to that, what is
there to negotiate?" he said.
Israel's new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is in the process of
formulating his government's foreign policy. But he and Lieberman both have said
they would not be willing to cede the territory Syria wants. On Saturday,
Lieberman said in an interview that Syria's support of Hamas and Hizbullah made
it no partner for peace.
"We need to look at the reality. Until today, Syria is hosting the headquarters
of terror organizations such as Hamas and the (Islamic) Jihad," he told the
Berliner Zeitung daily, referring to two radical Palestinian organizations.
"Syria supports Hezbollah and its arms trafficking into southern Lebanon. Syria
supports Iran's nuclear program. That is why I cannot see in Syria a real
partner for any type of agreement," Lieberman said. Earlier Sunday, Defense
Minister Ehud Barak told reporters that Israel had an interest in holding talks
with Syria, in an apparent rebuke to Saturday's comments by Lieberman. "Israel
has an interest in normalizing its relations with Syria while protecting its
vital interests," Barak told reporters ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting.
"Negotiations with Syria should always be part of the Israeli government's
agenda," he said. Barak and Lieberman are members of Israel's new largely
right-wing coalition government that is currently scrambling to come up with its
official policy on the troubled Middle East peace talks.(AP-AFP) Beirut, 26 Apr
09, 10:14
Reports: Egypt Investigations
Uncover New Suspects in Alleged 'Hizbullah Cell'
Naharnet/Egypt's High State Security prosecution continues to interrogate
detainees linked to a "Hizbullah cell" amid reports of a new list of suspects,
Arabic newspapers reported Sunday. The list includes a veterinarian who "was
leasing his home in Rafah to help smuggle weapons into Gaza."
Egyptian authorities are expected to issue, in the next few days, "a list of
items confiscated from the suspects, including their ID's, explosives and
computers," the pan-Arab daily al-Sharq al-Awsat reported, quoting sources.
Lebanese and Arab officials have been in contact with Cairo in an attempt to
resolve the crisis with Hizbullah, an Egyptian source told the daily. Egypt,
however, reiterated comments that the case was now "within the jurisdiction of
the judiciary and that the executive branch does not interfere in judicial
rulings," he added. Sources in Egypt denied "any exchange of messages" between
Cairo and Hizbullah over the cell, reported the Egyptian official Middle East
News Agency. In the meantime, President Michel Suleiman told Arab League chief
Amr Moussa on Saturday that "Lebanon was keen to maintain excellent ties with
Egypt, which are boosted by a number of bilateral agreements," the Lebanese An
Nahar daily said Sunday.
Lebanese-Egyptian relations "must not be affected by unexpected incidents,
similar to what happened lately and which led to Egypt's extremely stern
position," Suleiman added. Moussa, who was in Lebanon on Saturday, said the
Lebanese president was "currently in contact with diplomats" over the case.
Earlier this month, Cairo announced the arrest of a cell led by a Lebanese
Hizbullah agent accused of plotting attacks in Egypt.
Party leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah confirmed the agent was a Hizbullah member
tasked with smuggling weapons to Palestinians in Gaza, denying accusations of
planning to destabilize Egypt.(Naharnet) Beirut, 26 Apr 09, 12:13
Raad: Government Must Go For
Being Part of an Aggressive Program
Hizbullah Member of Parliament Mohammed Raad said: "Lebanese government must go,
for being part of an aggressive program against Lebanon and the Lebanese."
In a political gathering in the town of Maifadoun on Saturday, Raad said: "we
say let the state go and not the sects. Sects, must remain in Lebanon, sects are
represented in Lebanon. However, this authority whose program has failed must be
held accountable on election day." He added that the current parliamentary
majority must be replaced with another parliamentary majority represented by the
forces of the [parliamentary] opposition. "Tomorrow the four generals will be
released," Raad said concerning the four generals detained by the Lebanese state
over the 2005 assassination of ex-premier Rafik Hariri. He described the
accusations against the general's of their involvement in the assassination as
"false". Raad accused some Lebanese security apparatus' of forgetting that
Israel is an enemy due to the current government policy "they assumed that
Lebanon has a new enemy named Syria."Hizbullah attendeds confiscated all
recoders following MP Raad's speech VDL radio said. Beirut, 25 Apr 09, 19:17
Four Generals Allowed to Meet, Hold Private Talks with Lawyers
Naharnet/Four detained Lebanese generals were allowed Saturday to hold
unmonitored talks with their defense lawyers and to meet together for two hours
daily, in compliance with a decree by head of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
The high-ranking generals are being held in Lebanon's notorious prison in
connection to the 2005 assassination of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri. The interior
ministry announced Saturday that it received from the justice ministry a copy of
the "Order on Conditions of Detention" issued by STL head Antonio Cassesse. The
ministry said it immediately referred the order to the general directorate of
the internal security forces for implementation of Cassesse's decision. Later
Saturday, the defense lawyers of military intelligence chief Raymond Azar and
security services director Jamil Sayyed were allowed to hold private meetings
with their clients. The four generals also met on the same day. STL's prosecutor
has until April 27 to recommend whether to release the generals, the justice
minister said Friday. STL judge, Daniel Fransen of Belgium, last week gave
prosecutor Daniel Bellemare until April 27 to give his grounds for the generals'
release or continued detention. "After the 27th, the judge... will take a
decision and call on the Lebanese authorities either to release the detainees or
to hold on to them for the tribunal," Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar has told
AFP. A Lebanese investigating judge earlier this month lifted arrest warrants
against the four generals jailed since 2005 in connection with the murder.
However, the judge also ordered that the four remain in jail pending a decision
by the STL on their fate. According to An Nahar daily, Fransen is expected to
make a final decision on the fate of the four on Monday.(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut,
26 Apr 09, 10:10
Tueni: We Remember all
Martyrs Who Shed Their Blood For Independence and Freedom
Naharnet/Independent parliamentary candidate Nayla Tueni placed a wreath on her
father's tomb on Saturday on the fourth anniversary of the Syrian military
withdrawal from Lebanon. Accompanied by MP Michel Faraoun, Tueni said: "On this
day in 2005 the Lebanese celebrated the withdrawal of the Syrian army from
Lebanon. This came as the result of popular struggle and some who paid dearly
with their blood for this day to come. Today we remember all martyrs who
struggled and fought for Lebanon's independence and freedom." She thank all
Lebanese for being the incentive behind the 2005 cedar revolution considering
this day to remain history and important. Faraoun paid similar tribute to all
who fell while struggling for this cause particularly those who fell through
painful assassinations.
Beirut, 25 Apr 09, 20:50
Geagea: Coming Elections to
Determine Which Lebanon We Want
Naharnet/Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said that the coming June
parliamentary elections shall determine "which Lebanon we want."
During a meeting with supporters for launching the electoral machinery for March
14 Forces in Baabda on Saturday, Geagea said: "the other party believes that
Baabda district is in its own pocket, while the district is in no one's
pocket.""Baabda shall confront forgeries, false promises, bright slogans that
distort facts as well as those that dig non-existing mass graves. If you want
Lebanon in the state it is now with unlimited arms and a semi state, if you want
the Lebanon of assassinations and instability, if you want the truly corrupt
Lebanon that began in 1990, then go safely and vote for March 8 Forces," Geagea
said. He ended by urging supporters to vote for the cedar revolution and March
14 Forces if they seek a just country, the Special Tribunal, a Lebanon of
knowledge, stability, culture, ambition and creativity.
Beirut, 25 Apr 09, 17:54
Hizbullah Criticizes U.N.
Israeli Biased Stance
Hizbullah MP Hassan Fadlallah criticized United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's
recent remarks concerning the party.
"He is alerted the international organization for the sake of Israel's security,
while he keeps silent regarding the massacres committed by the enemy against
Lebanese and Palestinians," Fadlallah. In a press conference Saturday for the
Dentists Syndicate in the southern suburb of Beirut Fadlallah said: "the U.N.
could not protect civilians that sought refuge in one of its quarters. This
indicates failure and incapability in being able to play its role in maintaining
international peace, security and in protecting civilians that seek its refuge."
Regarding the June parliamentary elections, Fadlallah said that this is an
important political event for re-producing political authority "because the
parliamentary majority is the one that defines the nature of the next
government, but not Lebanon's identity, position or fate."
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon expressed concern about Hizbullah operations outside
Lebanese territories, saying interference in another country's internal affairs
constitutes a violation of sovereignty.
Despite major steps forward in the implementation of resolution 1559, "Lebanese
and non-Lebanese militias continue to threaten the stability of the country,"
Ban said in his six-month report to the U.N. Security Council Thursday. He also
expressed concern about the possibility of violations of an embargo on arms
smuggling through the Syrian border, saying Hizbullah continues to claim that it
has acquired more advanced military technology.
He said Hizbullah continues to possess huge military infrastructure
capabilities, in clear violation of 1559.
In the 9th report on 1559, the U.N. chief also said he was worried about
statements made by the Hizbullah leadership during the Israeli offensive on the
Gaza Strip, in which it urged the Egyptian army to back Hamas fighters. Such
remarks "reveal that Hizbullah operates outside Lebanese territories," according
to Ban.
"I condemn the unjustified interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign
country," he stressed, saying the disarming of Hizbullah and its transformation
to a political party are necessary for Lebanon to regain its full sovereignty
and political independence. That's why Ban urged all parties that have influence
on Hizbullah, in particular Iran and Syria, "to encourage this process." He also
touched in his report on the issue of the alleged Hizbullah cell seized in Cairo
for planning attacks in Egyptian territories. The Secretary-General reiterated
that the presence of arms and training carried out by different militias across
Lebanon constitute a challenge to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Beirut, 25 Apr 09,
20:32
Ban Condemns Hizbullah
Activities Outside Lebanon
Naharnet/U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon expressed concern about Hizbullah operations
outside Lebanese territories, saying interference in another country's internal
affairs constitutes a violation of sovereignty. Despite major steps forward in
the implementation of resolution 1559, "Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias
continue to threaten the stability of the country," Ban said in his six-month
report to the U.N. Security Council Thursday. He also expressed concern
about the possibility of violations of an embargo on arms smuggling through the
Syrian border, saying Hizbullah continues to claim that it has acquired more
advanced military technology. Ban said there should be more cooperation between
Syrian authorities and Lebanon to control the border. He said Hizbullah
continues to possess huge military infrastructure capabilities, in clear
violation of 1559. In the 9th report on 1559, the U.N. chief also said he was
worried about statements made by the Hizbullah leadership during the Israeli
offensive on the Gaza Strip, in which it urged the Egyptian army to back Hamas
fighters. Such remarks "reveal that Hizbullah operates outside Lebanese
territories," according to Ban. "I condemn the unjustified interference in the
internal affairs of a sovereign country," he stressed, saying the disarming of
Hizbullah and its transformation to a political party are necessary for Lebanon
to regain its full sovereignty and political independence. That's why Ban urged
all parties that have influence on Hizbullah, in particular Iran and Syria, "to
encourage this process." He also touched in his report on the issue of the
alleged Hizbullah cell seized in Cairo for planning attacks in Egyptian
territories. The Secretary-General reiterated that the presence of arms and
training carried out by different militias across Lebanon constitute a challenge
to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Resolution 1559, adopted in September 2004, called
for the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon, the holding of elections
without foreign intervention and the disbanding of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese
militias in Lebanon. The report said the presence of armed groups and militias
create an atmosphere of fear during the period of parliamentary elections. Ban
slammed the deadly assault on a Lebanese army patrol in the Bekaa valley on
April 13, saying the attack is a clear indication of the spread of arms and the
presence of armed groups which constitute a direct threat to the country's
stability.As for Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, the report said there was
tension lately between members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and
Hamas, stressing that it was time to implement a 2006 decision by Lebanese
leaders to disarm Palestinian factions outside the camps. Beirut, 25 Apr 09,
07:49
Moussa: Differences Between
Egypt and Hizbullah Left to Diplomatic Initiatives
Naharnet/Arab League chief Amr Moussa discussed with the country's three top
leaders on Saturday the upcoming parliamentary elections, the crisis between
Egypt and Hizbullah and latest developments in Lebanon and the region. Arab
League Secretary-General Amr Moussa denied news that he is in Beirut to help
settle the Egypt-Hizbullah crisis. "This issue is to be left to ongoing
diplomatic initiatives, there is no need to talk about this now," Moussa said.
When asked by reporters whether he has any solution to offer on the current
crisis his reply was quick and to the point saying: "I represent the Arab
League, if you have any question concerning the Egyptian stance then I urge you
to pose your question to the Egyptian ambassador."
Moussa again refused to comment on the Egypt-Hizbullah crisis, but managed a
diplomatic response saying: "However, I would like to refer your attention to
President Michel Suleiman's statements to the daily [pan –Arab] al-Hayat when he
spoke of quiet and diplomatic efforts that he is undertaking as are others."
Moussa denied news that he would be carrying a Lebanese message to Egyptian
President Hosni Mubarak on the issue.
"I arrived to Beirut this time to participate in celebrating Beirut as 'World
Book Capital' this is also an opportunity to meet with friends and with Speaker
Berri who is a friend, naturally we talk about existing issues be it the
[parliamentary] elections, the Lebanese and regional situation," Moussa told
reporters.
He wished the Lebanese good elections. Moussa met with President Michel
Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Premier Fouad Saniora before heading to UNESCO
palace to attend a ceremony to announce Beirut "World Book Capital City
2009."The president, the speaker and the prime minister also attended the
ceremony.
Moussa said after meeting Saniora at the Grand Serail that he was following up
the elections closely and that the issue of the alleged Hizbullah cell arrested
in Egypt was part of his discussions. Beirut, 25 Apr 09, 12:31
Report: Mossad-Linked Cell
Arrested in South
Security forces arrested on Saturday a cell linked to the Israeli Mossad in
southern Lebanon, Future News TV reported. The TV station said police arrested
three members of the cell during raids in Jezzine, Nabatiyeh and Sidon. Voice of
Lebanon radio said, however, that security forces arrested a suspect named Ali
Mantash in Nabatiyeh and a Palestinian whose family name is Awad in Sidon. It
added that authorities were still looking for the third suspect.
A source also told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that one of those arrested is
Ibrahim Awad, the cousin of Abdul Rahman Awad, the successor of Fatah al-Islam
leader Shaker Abssi. Police lately uncovered an Israel spy network dubbed "al-Alam
cell." Former security services officer Brigadier General Adib al-Alam, his wife
Hayat Saloumi and nephew Joseph Semaan al-Alam -- also a security official –
were charged on Thursday with spying for Israel. They are accused of informing
Israel about Lebanese and Syrian military and civilian sites with the aim of
facilitating Israeli attacks. Beirut, 25 Apr 09, 12:16
Bellemare Sticks to April 27
Deadline
Naharnet/The international tribunal's general prosecutor Daniel Bellemare has
asked pre-trial judge Daniel Fransen not to extend the April 27 deadline for
announcing his decision regarding the fate of the top four security generals
held in connection with the murder case of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri.
Fransen had issued a ruling asking Bellemare to "either justify the need to keep
the prisoners in Lebanon in custody or to order their release by April 27."
Informed sources told An Nahar daily in remarks published Saturday that
Bellemare will officially inform Fransen about his decision on the four generals
on Monday.
Sources in The Hague told As Safir newspaper that Fransen will announce his
decision in the same week, probably Tuesday or Wednesday which means that the
four generals could possibly be released either Wednesday or Thursday. The four
generals are Jamil Sayyed, Ali Hajj, Raymond Azar and Mustafa Hamdan who
respectively headed the General Security Department, the Internal Security
Forces, Military Intelligence and the Presidential Guards Brigade.
Meanwhile, the interior ministry announced that it received from the justice
ministry a copy of the "Order on Conditions of Detention" issued by the Special
Tribunal's president Antonio Cassesse. The ministry said it immediately referred
the order to the general directorate of the internal security forces for
implementation of Cassesse's decision. The cabinet, in its turn, discussed the
issue of a Memorandum of Understanding between Lebanon and the court. An Nahar
quoted ministerial sources as saying that the relations between the two sides
should be settled ahead of an expected visit by the tribunal's president to
Lebanon. However, March 8 ministers refused again to sign the MoU, agreeing to
give the justice minister the authority to coordinate with the court. eirut, 25
Apr 09, 09:18
Press Releases
AJC Salutes Sentencing of New Yorker for Aiding Hezbollah TV Station
April 24, 2009 – New York – AJC welcomes the prison term imposed on a New York
businessman, Javed Iqbal, for broadcasting Al- Manar, the Hezbollah television
station. Doing business with Hezbollah, designated by the U.S. government as a
terrorist organization, is prohibited.
“The conviction and sentencing of this Hezbollah supporter sends a strong
message that the U.S. is determined to block the terrorist organization’s
efforts to plant roots in American society,” said AJC Executive Director David
Harris. “We salute the tenacity of the Justice Department in this important
case, which marks the first prosecution of an individual for providing business
services to Al-Manar in the U.S.”
Iqbal, a Staten Island businessman, was charged in 2006 with supporting
Hezbollah. He pleaded guilty in December 2008. As federal prosecutor Eric Snyder
pointed out during the sentencing yesterday, “He was, in a very real sense,
Hezbollah’s man in New York.” Iqbal was sentenced to a prison term of nearly six
years.
Iqbal’s arrest in 2006 came just after the U.S. Treasury Department banned the
broadcasting of al-Manar in the U.S.
“The Treasury Department’s bold action against Hezbollah assures that the
terrorist organization’s incitement to hatred and brutal violence are never
again transmitted to audiences in our country,” AJC said in March 2006. “The
U.S. government has the potent tools to go after the finances of Hezbollah and
its media arms.”
Al-Manar, based in Lebanon, is the world’s premier terrorist media outlet,
spreading the vicious agenda of Hezbollah, and its patron Iran, to millions of
viewers though satellite television. It relentlessly incites terrorism and
recruits suicide bombers to target Americans, Europeans, Israelis and moderate
Muslims.
AJC, a leading global advocacy organization, has long advocated for stiff action
against Al-Manar. The Hezbollah station has been banned by governmental
broadcasting authorities in parts of Europe, Asia and Latin America.